:goldfish:Hi All;
Pardon me if this was aked before but I am planning a trip to Playa Del Carmen and staying at RIU Rivera Maya in June. Does anybody know if :
1-There is a dive shop in that hotel. If not, what is a good dive operation to go with. I have to mention that I received an Email from 'Playa Scuba Dive Center' who asked me if this hotel is in Playa Car and if so they would pick me up.
2- Also, is diving in this area drift diving like Coz? I guess it would be being across the water from it, but it would be good to know.
3- Any other information would be greatly appreciated.
:turtle:
I haven't dived there in two years, but can give you my experience as I remember it.
The dive op at the Riu complex is Scuba Caribe. There is a pretty extensive shop on the beach as I remember. The staff was pretty good for their age--most are young, and healthy. There was adequate briefings and emphasis on safety.
The boats (six packs) picked us up at the beach where we waded out with our gear, less tanks, to approximately waist deep water and climbed aboard. The particular days I was diving there was just me and one other diver, the instructor and the boat captain. Getting in the water was a charm, doing the back roll, one of my favorites. Getting back on we took off our BC and it was hauled aboard. Then we climbed the ladder.
Some may not like to do boats this way, but I am 60 years old and just figure it to be different. I don't feel slighted in the least to have to expend some energy, so long as getting back on the boat is safe.
Two dives I'd recommend are Tortuga and a wreck called Mama Nina. The diving, as you expect, is drifting. Reefs range from about 80' to shallow. Rather flat, rolling hills so to speak, but interesting. Lots of turtles on Tortuga. I believe I saw 28 on one dive.
Momma Nina is a nice little boat, penetrable and had a lot of silver sides inside with a large schoal of jacks outside and a good sized green moray under the stern. There was another member in the water with us doing the normal video, which you can buy.
The reefs are not as spectacular as Coz, but then how do you compare. I've been a lot of places diving. Some are good and some are better. None are really what I'd call bad. The Riviera Maya is what I'd call different and interesting. Your bottom times will not be as long as you may be used to (30-50minutes), but such is life. I like diving my computer, but can compromise once in a while.
Something else you might consider is a trip to the cenotes. Whether Scuba Caribe does this I do not know. Somebody else will help you with this.
Another option is to do a search here for Playacountryboy. He's a member here and located in Playa del Carmen. I'm thinking of booking with him this June when I'm down that way. In fact I'm considering paying an extra $15 per day and just chartering the boat and diving my computer or air supply. That way I can do some 80-90 minute dives--if he'll let me.
NOW, please consider that what all I've told you about the reefs is Pre-Wilma. I have no idea about the reefs now. I've been to Coz both before and after and see the difference. Still, I'd rather go and dive, see for myself, and not rely on somebody's subjective commentary of what the reefs are like. Besides, I'm going to be there anyway with the family. Might as well go diving.
